Jerold Dale Westfall

Jerold "Jerry" Dale Westfall, 81, of New Kent, Virginia, closed his eyes on this earth and woke up in the presence of his Savior on October 5, 2024.

Jerry was the youngest of three sons born to Raymond and Esther Westfall in Akron, Ohio. From an early age, Jerry had a love of aviation and was often found sitting in his makeshift cockpit at the dining room table of his childhood home in Kenmore wearing aviator goggles and "flying his plane" to parts unknown. After earning his private pilot's license, he enjoyed many years pursuing this hobby, both as a private pilot and certified flight instructor. Once his health no longer allowed him to fly, he could often be found in his study taking to the skies on his flight simulator.

An avid reader and life-long learner, Jerry was the go-to answer man in his family long before anyone had heard of Google. The depth of his knowledge on some of the most obscure topics often left his kids scratching their heads and wondering, "Did he really know that or did he just make something up?" Sure enough, further research usually proved that "Dad was right!" And as his wife, Nancy, can attest, once he discovered YouTube, nothing could stop him from taking apart various household items to "fix" them.

While Jerry enjoyed flying and reading, his greatest passion was his faith in Jesus Christ. Every morning he could be found drinking his coffee with his Bible in his lap, studying God's Word and praying for his loved ones. Among his children's favorite memories are special one-on-one breakfast dates with their Dad, and the many nights he spent beside their beds asking about their day, praying with them, and tucking them in. While he will be missed keenly, we rejoice that at last his faith is made sight. (2 Corinthians 5:1-9)

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Ola and her team at Loving Care Home, Dowda Senior Consultants, and Suncrest Hospice for their compassionate care of Jerry in his final days.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy; daughters Rebecca Turner (Stephen) and Elizabeth Varaso (Frank); son Daniel Westfall; grandchildren Jonathan (Rachel), Delaney (Austin), Selah, Callum, Clementine and Junia; great-grandsons Samuel and Truett. "Dear hearts, we travel this pilgrim journey together, so let us find courage to comfort and serve one another now. Together let us be the caretakers of the story of the one we lost, recognizing that his, and all our stories, are woven into that greater story still being unfolded by God across history and time. He knows our heartbreak. He sees our tears. Let us learn to love one another well in our common grief. Let us learn to speak freely together of our great loss, and our still greater hope!" Douglas McKelvey, Every Moment Holy.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.